Living in Spain.

8 practical guides for Americans living in Spain, grouped by topic. Each one lists the official sources it is based on.

Spain

Arrival and immigration

The wavy bamboo ceiling and yellow columns of Terminal 4 at Madrid-Barajas Airport

Entering Spain on a US passport: the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS

How the 90 days in any 180 rule works for Americans in Spain, what the Entry/Exit System records at the border, where ETIAS stands, and why a visit is not a move.

Spain

Documents and ID

Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid city hall, on Plaza de Cibeles

Documents and ID · 6 min read

Your first weeks in Spain: the registrations to do after landing

The order of steps after you land in Spain on a long-stay visa: the padron at the town hall, the TIE fingerprint appointment, Social Security, and the deadlines.

Spain

Eat

Iron and glass Mercado de San Miguel food market in central Madrid

Eat · 6 min read

Groceries and markets in Spain: shopping like a resident

How food shopping works in Spain for a new American resident: municipal markets, bag charges, bring-your-own containers and Spanish food labels.

Spain

US taxes and admin

Agencia Tributaria tax office building on Calle del Sacramento in Madrid

US taxes and admin · 8 min read

Spain Modelo 720: declaring foreign assets as a resident

How Spain's Modelo 720 works for Americans who become tax residents: the 50,000 euro blocks, joint accounts, refiling, deadlines and how it sits next to FBAR.

Spain

Visas and residency

Plaza de Espana in Seville with its canal and tiled pavilions

Visas and residency · 6 min read

Spain non-lucrative visa: income proof, insurance and the no-work rule

What Spain's non-lucrative residence visa asks of Americans: the IPREM income test, no-copay health insurance, the strict no-work rule and the renewal.

Plaza Mayor in central Madrid with its red arcaded buildings and pedestrians crossing the square

Visas and residency · 7 min read

Moving to Spain from the US: which visa or residence route fits

The main Spanish residence routes for US citizens, who each one suits, what money and documents it asks for, and where you apply before you fly.

Spain

Work and business

Tree-lined street in Barcelona's Eixample district

Work and business · 6 min read

Working in Spain day to day: office hours, lunch and holidays

What sets your hours, breaks, vacation and public holidays as an employee in Spain, from the Workers' Statute to the 2026 holiday calendar.

AZCA business district towers and fountain in Madrid at night

Work and business · 7 min read

Spain digital nomad visa for Americans working for US clients

Who qualifies for Spain's international telework visa, the company and income documents, Social Security proof, and the special tax regime remote workers ask about.